A delegation of public officials from the Americas wrapped up a seven-day visit to Shanghai on Sept 6, following an exchange program centered on urban development and international cooperation. The program, a collaborative effort between the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office and East China Normal University, welcomed government officials from various friendship cities of Shanghai in the Americas.

The program showcased a diverse itinerary, including visits to significant sites such as the West Bund, the Shanghai Futures Exchange, Longhua Hospital, and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.

These visits covered a broad spectrum of topics, including economics, culture, technology, and traditional Chinese medicine, offering the delegates a comprehensive understanding of Shanghai's multifaceted urban landscape.

A highlight of the program was the visit to the Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation, a subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, and the Shanghai Meteorological Service on Sept 2. These visits showcased Shanghai's advancements in green transportation and city management.

Bernard Denault, director-general of Europe, Indo-Pacific Relations of the Quebec Ministry of International Relations and la Francophonie, emphasized the importance of environmental awareness. He noted a global shift toward environmental consciousness and highlighted the long-standing friendship between Montreal and Shanghai, which spans 40 years across economic and cultural sectors.

During the tour of the Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation, Denault said he was impressed by the company's adaptation of electric buses to different environmental conditions, emphasizing the need for battery adjustments in colder climates like Quebec.

Jimmy Matta, chair of the Seattle Women and Minority Business Enterprises Advisory Committee, underscored the significance of electrifying buses to improve air and water quality. He stressed the universal responsibility to enhance environmental conditions, stating, "We all have a responsibility whether you're in China, the United States, or any other country to help clean the air, clean our waters."

Brian Feldman, head of the Department of Projects and International Cooperation of the Municipality of Valparaiso, Chile, praised the innovation demonstrated by Shanghai companies and local administration. He described Shanghai's commitment to sustainable development through green transportation as a "landmark" development that can reduce air pollution and improve public health.

Feldman also highlighted the crucial role of government in driving green initiatives, noting that the Shanghai municipal government is playing a "very proactive role in the green transition". He emphasized that government backing is essential, as market forces alone are insufficient, advocating for a public-private venture model alongside political will and commitment that other cities can emulate.

The delegation's visit to the Shanghai Meteorological Service provided an opportunity to explore the Shanghai Meteorological Museum, the Centre on Urban Multi-hazard Early Warnings, the Shanghai Central Meteorological Observatory, and the Shanghai Typhoon Institute of China Meteorological Administration.

Feldman also pointed out the potential for collaboration between Valparaiso and Shanghai, particularly in creative and cultural industries in districts such as Changning, Yangpu, and Pudong New Area. He noted the potential for Chinese companies from Shanghai to invest in Valparaiso, which offers "low upfront costs" and a "good quality of life".

Luo Bin contributed to this story.